Speech Therapy for Children: What Parents Need to Know

As a parent, you want to ensure your child develops strong communication skills. Here's what you need to know about speech therapy and when it might help your child. ## When to Consider Speech Therapy Consider seeking an assessment if your child: - Isn't meeting speech milestones for their age - Has difficulty being understood by family or peers - Struggles with stuttering or voice problems - Has trouble following directions or expressing needs - Shows frustration when trying to communicate ## What Speech Therapy Involves Speech pathologists work with children on: - Articulation (pronouncing sounds correctly) - Language comprehension and expression - Social communication skills - Fluency (stuttering) - Voice and resonance ## The Assessment Process Initial assessments typically involve: 1. Parent interview about concerns and development 2. Observation of your child's communication 3. Standardized testing appropriate for their age 4. Discussion of findings and recommendations ## Supporting Your Child at Home - Read together daily - Narrate your activities - Give them time to respond - Praise their efforts to communicate - Practice recommended exercises between sessions